Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 University Catalog 
    
2015-2016 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of


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Department Chair

Christopher R. Meyer

Department Office/Website

McCarthy Hall 580
657-278-3621
chemistry.fullerton.edu

Faculty

Michael Bridges, Peter de Lijser, Richard Deming, Amanda Evans, Mark Filowitz, Allyson Fry, Barbara Gonzalez, Christina Goode, John Haan, A. Scott Hewitt, Paula Hudson, Philip Janowicz, Niroshika Keppetipola, Zhuangjie Li, Maria Linder, Christopher Meyer, Alexandra Orchard, Madeline Rasche, Harold Rogers, Nicholas Salzameda, Chandra Srinivasan, Fu-Ming Tao

Introduction

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry plans its curriculum to provide thorough instruction in the basic principles and concepts of chemistry and biochemistry for students who will: (1) advance to graduate work in chemistry or biochemistry; (2) teach in the science programs of secondary schools; (3) seek employment in industry or government; (4) advance to medical, dental, or pharmacy training; or (5) pursue a degree or minor in support of a career in other areas such as physics, biology, geology, business or computer science.

To qualify for any of the bachelor’s degrees, a student must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in all courses required for the major, including prerequisites in related sciences or mathematics.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is currently on the approved list of The American Chemical Society (ACS), and students have the opportunity to earn ACS certification of the B.S. degrees offered.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a degree in chemistry or biochemistry:

Concepts

  • Understand the concept that all matter is composed of atoms whose inherent periodic properties determine their interactions and combinations into compounds with specific molecular structure, chemical function and physical properties
  • Understand and apply fundamental thermodynamic laws and kinetics to chemical reactions in equilibrium and nonequilibrium systems
  • Demonstrate literacy in concepts underlying fundamental analytical instrumentation and instrumentation techniques used in chemistry and biochemistry
  • Understand the various ways that chemists represent and test chemical knowledge in models, theories, mathematical relationships and symbolic notations
  • Understand the principles of safe practices in the laboratory across the subdisciplines of the chemical sciences

Skills and processes

  • Demonstrate the ability to generate data and information through designing and safely implementing experiments using contemporary methods and techniques
  • Collect, analyze and interpret data and information
  • Retrieve appropriate scientific literature and data
  • Communicate data, concepts, skills and processes to experts and nonexperts in the field

Attitudes

  • Demonstrate the safe and ethical use of scientific knowledge, materials and procedures, and be able to explain their impact on a diverse society
  • Deliberately employ methods of scientific inquiry to collect, analyze and interpret evidence to solve problems while recognizing the tentative nature of scientific knowledge
  • Work effectively, independently and cooperatively
  • Pursue career objectives that make use of the baccalaureate degree

Recommended Program in General Education

Because of high unit requirements for chemistry degree programs, students majoring in chemistry are strongly urged to consult with an adviser at the Academic Advisement Center in UH-123 prior to designing their general education programs. There is a six-unit exemption in general education for B.S. Chemistry degree majors for which the undergraduate Chemistry adviser must be consulted.

Upper-Division Baccalaureate Writing Requirement

Chemistry and biochemistry majors meet the coursework portion of the university’s upper-division writing requirement by passing ENGL 301  or ENGL 360  with a “C” or better.

Teaching Credential

The Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry may be effectively combined with subject matter studies necessary for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in science. Undergraduates are encouraged to contact the Center for Careers in Teaching (657-278-7130, fullerton.edu/cct) and the Science Education Programs Office (657-278-2307, nsm.fullerton.edu/scied/) for early advisement and to plan efficient course selections for general education, the major and credential program coursework. Postbaccalaureate and graduate students should contact the Science Education Programs Office (657-278-2307 or nsm.fullerton.edu/scied/). Additional information is found under Science Education Programs in the University Catalog as well as at mast.wikispaces.com.

Requirements for Chemistry Majors Seeking a Teaching Credential

To qualify for the Subject Matter Preparation Program for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science with a concentration in Chemistry, students must earn a bachelor’s degree and complete the following:

  • BIOL 171  
  • GEOL 101 , GEOL 101L  and GEOL 420  and/or
  • Pass California Subject Examinations - (CSET) exams Science Subtest I (astronomy, geology, Earth sciences, and physics), Science Subtest II (biology and chemistry), and Science Subtest III (chemistry). Consult the Secondary Science Education Credential adviser at 657-278-5637 for more information

Programs and Courses Offered

Programs

    Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of ScienceMaster of ArtsMaster of ScienceNon-Degree

    Courses

      Chemistry and Biochemistry

      Courses are designated as CHEM in the class schedule.

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